It was 11:30 a.m. on Labor Day, 2018 and everyone was gushing over the birthday boy, Mannie Corman, who wore a black shirt that read “Vintage 1918; Aged to perfection,” and a matching hat with the number 100 printed in white.
Mr. Corman, who sat in an electric wheelchair, reveled in the company of his 160-plus guests, some who had flown in from California, Las Vegas and Texas with others from New York. They kissed his cheeks, reached for his hands, and took his photo. When Judith Goldman, 76, Mr. Corman’s girlfriend of seven years, wasn’t at his side, she was mingling with the crowd.
Off to the side a crooner sang love songs while a roaming photo booth and videographer each captured different moments on the Liberty Warehouse’s airy deck, overlooking the New York Harbor in Brooklyn.
At noon, the guests were asked to take their seats inside the main room, which housed three buffet stations and a dance floor. A black and white portrait booth was in one corner. Another booth held two virtual reality games. A third showcased mini basketball hoops, Foosball and air hockey. Handmade wooden boxes that depicted a specific year, and highlighted important happenings during that time, served as table centerpieces. Beautifully decorated shortbread cookies made to look like the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, a passport and the number 100, were on the tables as well.
The centennial birthday brunch for Mr. Corman, whose birthday was Aug. 31, was a success.
Then, the party took a turn.
Once guests were seated awaiting brunch, the closed black velvet curtain was opened and revealed a flower girl and ring bearer. Ms. Goldman, who had freshened her makeup and had added a veil to her white ensemble, and Mr. Corman, who now fashioned a black tux jacket, trailed behind them while “Young at Heart” played in the background. A collapsible huppah appeared and was immediately erected with family members, representing both sides, proudly holding each corner. They were among the few people, besides the bride and groom, who knew what was about to happen.
For more read the full of article at The Nytimes
